By: Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
Long-time State Senator Royce West confirmed the worst kept secret; he is running to unseat U.S. Senator John Cornyn in 2020. In good spirits, as he kicked off his campaign, West joked as he took the podium this morning he was not running for president.
“You’ve seen me in battle, and I’m ready today to announce my candidacy for the United States Senate,” West stated. He launched his campaign at the press conference on Monday morning at the CWA Union Hall.
West quickly made it clear he has key supporters in the Democratic party. In the state senate, 12 democratic senators are serving, according to West 10, encouraged him to move forward. Sixty-seven Democrats are serving in the statehouse, and he stated 47 offered their support for his candidacy.
He thanked his former teacher, family, and gathered supporters. He provided a bouquet of flowers to his wife, Carol in honor of their upcoming 32nd wedding anniversary, calling her his senior advisor.
Supporters in attendance included former U.S. Ambassador Ron Kirk; Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson; Dallas Cowboys NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, along with his wife Pat; long-time radio personality Tom Joyner; and others.
Kirk, the first African American mayor of the City of Dallas, lost his race against Cornyn in 2002 when Phil Graham retired. Today he reflected on West’s contribution in fighting to secure the first university in the city and their long history of working together.
“It’s time to go West,” Kirk shared after his remarks. He said he is tired of settling for tomorrow.
State Senate Career
West was elected to serve as a state senator in November 1992 representing District 23. During his legislative career, Texas Monthly listed him as one of the 25 most powerful people in Texas politics. He was instrumental in the establishment of the University of North Texas at Dallas and a new law school in downtown Dallas.
During the 2019 legislative session, one of the critical bills West pushed was SB25. This law promises to address the transferability of college course credits and to help Texans finish college sooner
and with less debt. It passed both houses and was signed by the governor in June, becoming effective immediately.
“SB25 has been a long time coming. What we as legislators have been able to accomplish in
working with colleges and universities makes sense and will benefit all involved,” said West
Competitive field
West is not the only one gunning for Corny n’s job. A few days ago Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards joined the race. The field already included MJ Hegar, a previous 2018 candidate for U.S. House seat and Chris Bell, also from Houston. He is a former state congressman who ran for governor in 2006.
The full Facebook live video is below.
